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Several cats in the town of Mudville decided they should have a baseball team. They had watched their humans laughing, yelling, jumping up and down and doing all kind of crazy things when they watched the World Series. It looked like a lot of fun! They called themselves the Mudville Mousers. It was tough to get the right cats to play the different areas of the field, but they finally did it. Kirby was the pitcher because it looked like he was quite good with his paws on AND off the field.

Muffins was the catcher because that’s what he could do!

Next to be chosen were the outfielders. Their names were Huey, Louie, and Dewey.

Muggles was chosen to be the shortstop because he was so talented.

Cleo was on first base,

Cuddles played second base,

and Ginger was on third base because nobody wanted to mess with her.

The day and time for the game with the Farthington Felines was set, but the game was never played. The Felines never showed up because they were taking a nap. When the Mousers were interviewed about how they felt about their game and the World Series, these were the results.

Those who really didn’t want to play and liked the Chicago Cubs:

Those who did want to play and liked the Cleveland Indians:

Well, so much for that. Maybe one of these days these cats will get their act together and play a game. In the meantime, I’m sure they’re enjoying their naps!

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Our topics of conversation the past weeks have been about playing with your cat. There are four different kinds of play dates that describe how your cat likes to play. Your cat is friendly, lazy, bossy, or shy when it comes to the way they play. And, of course, they play with weird things rather than the wonderful new toy you found at the store. They’d rather play with the box! Would like to share some ideas from my friend, Colin Noel-Johnson, about cheap ways to play with your cat. Here’s Colin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tonight I’m going to reveal four lost or no cost ways to play with your cat… perfect for any cheapskate or a laugh, your choice.

1. Get an extra long shoelace, put it in your shoe skewed to one side. Next walk or run past your cat and continue through your home.
Note: While a low cost option, this may result in bodily harm to you depending on how strong your cat is.

2. With the same long shoelaces, tie your shoes in front of your cat.
Note: This option will not result in major bodily harm, however you may experience bleeding on your fingers.

3. Grow your hair long, your cat will just love it!
Note: This option is also portable. Safety glasses are recommended. If your cat has extra sharp claws you can also portray Vincent Van Gogh.

4. Last but not least, an empty box with a cheap cat toy tossed inside can never go wrong.

Thanks for reading! Do you have any cheap ways to play with your cat? I’d love to hear them!

Colin writes a great blog! Please check out his writing at Mageowl’s Blog.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

For humans, summer is the time to play and relax as much as possible. Go camping, golfing, fishing, take a vacation or whatever you choose to do to unwind. Cats have the luxury of being able to play every day regardless of the weather or where they are living. According to a cat behavioral consultant, Daniel Quaghozzi, from San Francisco, most domestic cats are pretty bored. We, as humans, underestimate the amount of interactive play they need on a daily basis. We get excited about a brand new toy we’ve bought them, but most of the time, they prefer the packaging it came in! Sound familiar?

Let’s take a look at some cats playing with THEIR choice of toys.

They get their exercise for the day playing with this.

Nice try, but not a good excuse!

Cardboard is always a favorite toy.

Don’t think you’d want to see this!

Or this!

Sometimes you might not even know they’ve been playing around unless………

Sometimes they want to play with “little humans”.

They might get a surprise when they play with adults.

And, of course, there’s always the dog.

To sum up, cats don’t always get excited to play with the toys we think they should.

Sometimes our cats can be too curious for their own good. And while it’s fun to watch them turn just about anything into a toy, we have to be careful about what they can get their paws on. Stringlike objects, such as yarn, can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation. Plastic bags can suffocate and the handles can get caught on a cat’s neck. Small objects could be chocking hazards. Always use your good judgement.

What kind of everyday materials does your cat like to play with? Would love to hear your stories.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Last week was a quiz from the Catster Magazine. There were four answers to each question. Let’s see what the magazine said about your choices.

1. Your weather app indicates it’s going to be a scorcher of a day. Your home isn’t air conditioned, so how do you keep your cat comfortable?

a. Place fans near their favorite resting spots as well as food and water dishes. (Excellent)

b. Place one fan by their food and water dishes so they can feel cool while they drink and eat. (Good)

2. You have to leave for several hours, and the temps are escalating. What kind of cool treat should you leave for your kitty?

a. Leave catsicles in their dishes. (Excellent) This is frozen cat food.

b. Refrigerated cat food. (Good)

3. The heat is boiling and even indoor cats have an increased need for fresh water during the summer months. How do you keep your cat’s water dish cool and refreshing while you’re away from home?

a. Place ice cubes in a cat fountain which provides a constant flow of oxygenated water. (Excellent)

b. Place ice cubes in your cat’s water bowl. (Good)

4. Signs of heatstroke include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting, and collapsing. How do you protect your cat’s rising body temp from the dog days of summer?

a. Place frozen water bottles in their cat bed and other regular resting places. (Excellent)

b. Regularly rub your kitty with a cool washcloth. (Good)

5. Your cat needs comfortable places to sleep during a heat wave. How do you help that hot cat find his cool while you’re gone for the day?

a. Make sure rooms with cool floors, like basements, are readily available. (Excellent)

b. Move kitty’s food and litter box to the bathroom creating a cozy sanctuary with cool sinks and tubs for napping. (Good)

6. Families can become busy during the summer, but cats still need play and interaction. What’s the best way to keep your cat active during hot weather?

a. Encourage play during the cooler hours of the morning and evening. (Excellent)

b. Place their interactive toys in the coolest parts of your home. (Good)

7. It’s unavoidable. You have to take your cat on a long car ride, and the heat is miserable. What’s your plan?

a. Keep the air conditioning blasting in the car so you and kitty don’t melt. (Excellent)

b. If there’s no AC in the car, attach a portable fan to the carrier. (Good)

If you are doing all of the above things to keep your kitty comfortable during even the hottest days, you’re on top of what it takes. Good for you!! A answers are what you want to strive for. Look into purchasing a water fountain; it’s a good investment. The C and D answers on last week’s quiz indicate that your cat is very uncomfortable and you need to make some improvements. Sometimes…………..

Hope this helps with some ideas for keeping your cat cool. Do you do any of these things already or do you have some other ideas? Let us know.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Right now my boys have it pretty good! They don’t have to worry about fixing a leaky basement, watering the yard, taking care of the plants, cooking, etc. Summer is such a busy time around here because I have a HUGE back yard. Even when my mother was alive, it was up to me since she was in her 90’s and not really able to keep up with it. Don’t mind it, but it’s hard to get back in gear after not doing anything all winter. Found a picture I liked about being a cat so will share with you.

1. Free Food

Hey, free is good. Too bad the grocery store doesn’t think so!

2. Free Rent

No house payments, taxes, and insurance to think about either!

3. Sleep As Long As You Want To

Would love to sleep in more some days, but always wake up early. Darn!

4. Look Great With No Effort

Don’t have to spend any time making yourself look good.

5. Toes Look Like Beans

Don’t know if this is a pressing reason to be a cat, but it’s an interesting concept.

6. License To Kill

Based on these six reasons, would you like to be a cat? I definitely like the first four reasons. Not too sure about number five and definitely not number six. Let us hear from you. In review, here are six reasons to be a cat.

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

Last week in talking about the “weirdness” of cats, I used this picture, among many.

Yes, cats remember how their kind was treated thousands of years ago.

So you accepted Fred and all of his friends. Wonder what your house would look like now. There would be the problem of where they would all sleep. You might have to do this.

Or this.

The overflow may have to sleep with you!

Well, enough of that! What else might happen?

Once they wake up, there might be a grouch among the group.

They’ll want to play.

They’ll want to look outside to see what’s going on.

They’ll have to introduce themselves to the dog.

They’ll need their exercise.

There are very different personalities among all these cats. Anything from a fraidy cat,

a shy cat,

a well educated cat,

a smart cat,

to a cat that’s just being a smarty pants!

But even through all the situations that come about, they will still love you.

After all,

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667

That’s a good question! To some people that’s exactly the way cats act. Granted, these probably seem weird.

However, they just might be trying to figure out who they are!

Have you ever thought about the things we have in common with cats? As a young child, did you ever get scared and want to crawl in with Mom and Dad?

Have you ever been too hot and needed to cool off?

Or just the opposite. Have you ever been too cold?

Do you get excited to open presents you get?

Do you get upset if someone takes something away from you that you wanted?

When you were a kid, did you have someone you liked to play with?

As an adult, do you enjoy company once in a while?

Maybe they wonder about us sometimes.

All in all, I think they have everything pretty well figured out!

Marion Lovato is the author of Sam, the Superkitty. Her book describes an ordinary cat changing into a superhero to protect his family from things that go bump in the night. Available on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle edition. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604588667